Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has laughed off Patrice Evra’s claim that he doesn’t want players with personality or leadership qualities. The former Manchester United man was speaking in the aftermath of Manchester City’s collapse against Real Madrid in last week’s Champions League semi-final second leg. Evra said that part of the problem with City is that they don’t have the character to fight back when faced by adversity, and that at difficult times it shows that the players have only gone to the club for the money.
Patrice Evra said: “Manchester City needs leaders, but Guardiola doesn’t want leaders. He doesn’t want personality. He’s the leader. That’s why when they’re in trouble they don’t want to… they don’t have anyone on the pitch to help them. He chooses his teams like that, he can’t train people with personality. He did it at Barcelona, but he builds his team to control everyone. When things go wrong, he always decides. City have made a mistake, it’s the truth. They are traumatised. They remind me of PSG — they are clubs based on money. Real Madrid also has money, but it has a story behind it; Manchester City only has money and the players go to play there solely for that. Then they win trophies, of course, but a player chooses to go to Manchester City only because it offers you more.”
Guardiola — who always espouses the team ethic above individuality — was asked about the comments,
Pep Guardiola said: “I don’t want personality? Well. I don’t agree, Patrice! I don’t play. I need personalities and good players to play on the pitch, otherwise we will not be… I didn’t read it or know [what he’s said]. I have had nice, incredible players in my past as a manager at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here. I could give a good list in terms of their personality and character. Most of them have won World Cups, European [Championships], Champions Leagues and leagues. Maybe Evra is right or maybe he’s doing a good quote to come back to Manchester United to work there. Maybe there’s a good chance now. Good, Patrice — if we were together I would show you the personality and character of my players right now that we have, absolutely.”
